In today’s digital age, a significant concern has emerged over the impact of social media on children and their involvement in platforms that were once exclusively used by adults. With the rise of influencers and vloggers across various social media outlets, many parents are beginning to wonder at what age it is appropriate for their children to participate in these activities. According to a recent survey, a third of parents are currently permitting their children to use social media independently before reaching the legal minimum age of 13, as stipulated by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Michael Holmes from VidPros provides valuable insights into this matter, advising that children should ideally be the legal age before opening a social media account and, in some cases, even older for safer digital practices.
Vlogging vs. General Social Media Usage
Different Considerations for Vlogging
Holmes makes a clear distinction between general social media usage and vlogging, emphasizing that the latter demands higher scrutiny due to increased exposure to public evaluation. Unlike casual posts or interactions on social media, vlogging often involves more personal content and long-term engagement. This means children who engage in vlogging are subjected to public scrutiny, which can be intense and sometimes harsh. Therefore, the appropriate age for vlogging might be higher than that for general social media use.
For instance, Holmes suggests that creating content such as makeup tutorials or book reviews, which are typically conducted in a controlled environment, could be suitable for teenagers around the age of 15 or 16. At this age, they are more likely to understand the risks involved and possess the maturity to handle feedback appropriately. On the contrary, vlogs that require showing multiple locations or involve the child’s daily life experiences should ideally start at the age of 18. This measure ensures the minimization of risks, such as exposure to malicious entities, and provides children with a stronger foundation of maturity and resilience to manage online feedback effectively.
Managing Public Scrutiny
Another vital factor to consider for children who wish to become vloggers is their ability to manage the public’s response to their content. Public scrutiny can be extremely harsh, and without the proper emotional and psychological support systems in place, children may struggle with the barrage of feedback, both positive and negative. The maturity required to navigate these waters effectively usually comes with age and experience.
Holmes points out that younger children may lack the depth of understanding and resilience needed to cope with negative comments or cyberbullying, which could have detrimental effects on their self-esteem and mental health. By waiting until they are older, children are more likely to have the emotional fortitude to handle these challenges. Consequently, it’s important for parents to assess their child’s maturity and capacity to deal with public opinion when considering vlogging as a potential activity.
Offline and Online Balance
Encouraging Offline Activities
A significant challenge in allowing children to participate in vlogging and social media is maintaining a healthy balance between their online and offline lives. Holmes stresses the importance of promoting offline activities to support children’s emotional and psychological development. While vlogging can enhance creativity and build a sense of community, it is crucial to balance this with real-world experiences that contribute to a well-rounded upbringing.
Offline activities, such as sports, reading, and face-to-face social interactions, provide essential opportunities for personal growth that digital engagements alone cannot offer. Parents should cultivate an environment that prioritizes these offline experiences to ensure children develop a well-balanced lifestyle. By doing so, they can mitigate the potential negative effects associated with extensive online presence, such as increased screen time and reduced physical activity.
Dealing With Cyberbullying
Another concern that parents need to address when their children engage in vlogging and social media use is the risk of cyberbullying. The susceptibility to cyberbullying can significantly affect a child’s mental health and well-being. Holmes advises that parents must remain vigilant and open lines of communication with their children to recognize any signs of cyberbullying early on.
Monitoring children’s social media activities and educating them about the potential dangers of online interactions is paramount. By fostering a safe and supportive home environment, parents can provide the necessary guidance and intervention when needed. Balancing the positive aspects of vlogging and social media, such as self-expression and community engagement, with awareness and caution about the pitfalls, is key to a healthy digital experience.
Nuanced Approach to Digital Engagement
Legal Age and Prudent Digital Practices
Holmes’ insights underscore a cautious and nuanced approach to children’s social media and vlogging activities, emphasizing legal age adherence and a thoughtful assessment of the appropriate age based on content type and maturity level. By ensuring children meet the legal age requirement set out by COPPA before creating social media accounts, parents can help safeguard their children from potential online hazards.
Adhering to the legal age limits is just the starting point. Parents must continually evaluate the specific nature of the content and the level of maturity required to handle the associated challenges. This includes understanding the increased risks of exposure and the emotional resilience needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
Balanced Digital Engagement
Holmes differentiates between general social media use and vlogging, noting that the latter requires more scrutiny due to heightened public exposure. Unlike casual social media posts, vlogging often includes personal content and sustained engagement, subjecting children to intense and sometimes harsh public evaluation. As a result, the appropriate age for vlogging might be higher than for general social media activities.
For instance, Holmes suggests that teenagers around 15 or 16 might be suited for creating content like makeup tutorials or book reviews, which are typically done in controlled environments. At this age, teenagers are more likely to understand associated risks and possess the maturity needed to handle feedback appropriately. Conversely, vlogs that showcase multiple locations or the child’s everyday life should ideally begin at the age of 18. This guideline helps minimize risks, such as exposure to harmful entities, and ensures children have developed the necessary maturity and resilience to manage online feedback effectively.
